PHILOSOPHY OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION


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Evangel Theological Seminary is committed to providing sound academic training at a graduate level, in the areas of Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Studies. Standing in the admonition of St. Paul, “And the things you have heard me say...entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others,” (II Tim. 2:2 NIV) and realizing the awesome responsibility of such a privilege, “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts,” (I Thes. 2:4 NIV) the Seminary positions itself firmly in the mainstream of the great move of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this present age. (Joel 2:28,29; Acts 2:17,18)

Just as Evangel Theological Seminary is committed to providing excellence in theological training, so it expects a reciprocal commitment on the part of each student to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (II Tim. 2:15 NIV)

The Seminary further affirms the importance of the spiritual life, and seeks to promote in every way the spiritual nurture and growth of the students in all facets of their experience. Therefore, the selection of the faculty is made with great care under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Only those who possess a deep personal relationship with and commitment to Christ, who are individuals of integrity and faithfulness to the Word of God, and who have experience and skills as teachers, are chosen.

Evangel Theological Seminary embraces without compromise, the plenary inspiration and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures. It recognizes the primacy of the Bible in theological education and, as a result, Old and New Testament studies are emphasized. The study of Hebrew and Greek is required for the Master of Divinity program to enable students to understand more fully the meaning and message of the Word of God.

The Old Testament is seen as an integral part of the whole, laying the foundation for, and anticipating the coming of the promised Messiah. The New Testament is presented as the fulfillment of the Old (Matt. 5:17), and the basic manual for the power, function, discipline, and life of the modern Church. The students are made aware of the many fallacies of modern Biblical criticism and the dangers involved in exposure to liberal interpretation and scholarship. Evangel Theological Seminary stands on the premise that the Bible is the standard of truth itself.

In the realm of Theology, the Seminary seeks to expose the student to a systematic discipline of theological truths to form a foundation for all subsequent study and ministry. With this in mind, all basic theology courses are included in the requirements for each academic program. Evangel Theological Seminary is committed to providing theological training rooted in sound Biblical Theology.

The Seminary believes the study of Church History enables the student to recognize and learn from the mistakes and successes of the past and reveals the movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church from Pentecost to the present. Church History serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration to the servant of God in the future as it is discovered that Christ has never forsaken his Church, and is assured that in every crisis situation, the One who owns and builds the Church will not fail.

The Seminary dedicates itself to the practical training of its students that they may become capable pastors, teachers, and leaders in the Church. It seeks to develop communication skills to enable them to articulate the full meaning of the Gospel effectively. Seminary training is primarily geared to ministry in the local church with emphasis on a Christ-centered approach in all its activities. This includes developing skills in pastoral counseling, using Biblical truths, and recognizing the imperative of Christian commitment as guidelines in every situation.

Evangel Theological Seminary unreservedly commits itself to these basic concepts of theological education, and motivated by the belief in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, gives itself totally to participation and cooperation in the redemptive mission of the Church.

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